The only shining star in this week's early ratings was "Empress Ki," which earned an impressive 17.8 percent of the viewers. Aside from the excellent acting and writing in this historical drama, the stunning locations in Hengdian, China, and the brilliant court costumes make it a pleasure to watch.

And with the first 10 installments of the 50-episode drama neatly out of the way, all the characters have been set in position like a loaded chessboard, ready to check and checkmate each other's desires. The Emperor, played by Ji Chang Wook, is caught between the machinations of El Temur, who terrifies him, and the Empress Dowager, who will do anything to stop El Temur. He's caught between two women, his Empress, who he dislikes, and his concubine, who he is indifferent to.

And at any minute the Emperor will recognize Ha Ji Won as the fighter who protected him when he was on the run. Without knowing who she is, he is already in love with her.

Ha Ji Won in turn has become involved in the devious plots of the Empress to thwart the plans of the Empress Dowager. She is drawn to the Emperor but can't forget King Wang Yoo, played by Joo Jin Mo. He is fighting hard to free his men so he can return for her. There's a whole lot going on and even with 40 episodes to go the pace is not lagging.

The competing dramas did not do so well. "Kind Words," the drama that replaced "The Suspicious Housekeeper," started out at only 6.8 percent. That's less than the initial ratings for The Suspicious Housekeeper," which began at 8.2 percent and held on to second place for most of its run.

"Kind Words" is the story of a woman who everyone envies but whose marriage is a sham. Her husband is cheating on her but she is not without guilt of her own. The drama stars Han Hye Jin, Lee Sang Woo, Kim Ji Soo and Ji Jin Hee.

"Future's Choice," also called "Marry Him If You Dare," rose very slightly from 4.3 to 4.7 percent as the drama draws to a close. Few viewers seemed to care whether Yoon Eun Hye chooses Lee Dong Gun or CNBlue's Jung Yong Hwa. Or how that might affect her future.

"The Prime Minister and I," starring Yoona and Lee Beom Soo, will replace "Future's Choice" next week, and possibly upset the order.